melanie jean juneau

This plant is in a too small pot, without drainage. It has been abused, left dry, not fertilized, at times in spots without enough light because I really did not want to display such an ugly plant. Suddenly, after 3 or 4 years, it has started to bloom, with clusters of huge brilliant, gorgeous blossoms. I laugh every time I look at it because every day another tiny, pale peach bud, then small dull flower, suddenly bursts out into splendor. It seems completely incongruous.

This plant is a symbol to me of the grace and mercy of God. Suddenly, after years of living in the desert, on little water and little food, the power of God can cause any life to bloom, right where it is planted. No matter how abused we have been, how difficult our circumstances, God can cause beauty to rise out of ashes.

Isaiah 35:2

2 the desert will bloom with flowers.It will be very glad and shout with joy.The glorious beauty of Lebanon will be given to it.It will be as beautiful as the rich landsof Carmel and Sharon.Everyone will see the glory of the Lord.They will see the beauty of our God.

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Published by melanie jean juneau

Melanie Jean Juneau serves as the Editor in Chief of Catholic Stand. She is a mother of nine children who has edited her kid's university term papers for over a decade. She blogs at joy of nine9 and mother of nine9. Her writing is humorous and heart warming; thoughtful and thought-provoking. Part of her call and her witness is to write the truth about children, family, marriage and the sacredness of life. Melanie is the administrator of ACWB, a columnist at CatholicLane, CatholicStand, Catholic365 , CAPC, author of Echoes of the Divine and Oopsy Daisy, and coauthor of Love Rebel: Reclaiming Motherhood.
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4 thoughts on “Stunted Yet Blooming in God”

Any idea if that plant is called a Christmas Cactus? My mom hammered flower and plant names into my brain as I grew up, but I could be mistaken. Seems like she told me those plants flower every now and then. It’s beautiful! I love how the Lord uses everyday things to bring His grace to you. 🙂

What a beautiful illustration. Not only can beauty come out of difficult circumstances, but our difficult circumstances often produce a closer connection to God. He works in us if we let Him. I think C.S. Lewis said something like that in his book The Problem of Pain.